Cities of London & Westminster MP Nickie Aiken spoke out in the House of Commons to champion reading in schools across the UK.

Nickie highlighted that under the Conservatives, our children's education has improved, with the UK now ranking 14th in the internationally respected Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). That is up from 25th under the last Labour Government.

In the Commons, Nickie explained,

"I am proud that under this Conservative Government, the reading ability of children in the United Kingdom continues to improve. The UK is now 14th in the internationally respected test under the Programme for International Student Assessment, run by the OECD. That is up from 25th under the last Labour Government. Given that this is National Storytelling Week and 7 March is World Book Day, would my right hon. Friend consider a debate in Government time highlighting the importance of reading for pleasure, and celebrating British and Irish literature?"

Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House of Commons, replied,

"My hon. Friend will have heard the support expressed throughout the House for what she has said. Being able to read is a wonderful gift. It is not just about getting an education; it is about an individual’s whole self, and families should be encouraged to read together. My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to our nation’s success in climbing the international literacy tables. We should be very proud of that, and place on record our thanks to everyone who has enabled it to happen, including our incredible teachers."